Thursday, January 30

But will I love it in 115 degrees?

On the days I go for my hike on the trail, I'm posting a picture from it on Facebook (like this one to the left). So far, I've posted a picture of Sydney walking the trail; the interior of a dead teddy bear cholla cactus; some cool, dark blue rocks; and more than one large landscape.
I have decided, self-righteously, that everyone needs a beautiful picture of Arizona in their timeline. And if that happens three or four times a week, well, it's less annoying than motivational quotes, shared photos, political rants and personality quizzes. If pretty pictures aren't your taste, just scroll past them.
But there is some real beauty in the desert landscape, and I like to share it with everyone. It's a lot more varied than I ever thought, and there is always something new to see and study. Of course, when I'm hiking, it's all, "Oh, look; pretty!" with very little slowdown to even take the picture, let alone do any studying. But when Sydney and I do the walk, it's important to stop, investigate, discuss and make educated conclusions. We collect rocks, as well (only five per hike), and listen for animals. We stop and smell the flowers, when we find them.
I'm looking forward to spring in the desert, which is in February and March, according to the preserve's information. The flowers and blooms should be pretty. Oh, don't worry, you'll see them on your timeline.

My To-Be-Read Pile

"Grave Ransom," Kalayna Price

"The Map of Time," Felix J. Palma

Obsessed Much? Yes. TV shows I watch:

Archer,Drunk History, Elementary, Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, Game of Thrones, The Good Place, Gotham, iZombie, Last Week Tonight, Life in Pieces, Marvel's Agents of SHIELD, Modern Family, The Originals, Preacher, Talking Dead, The Walking Dead

Movies I've seen

The Accountant

Sing

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Mr. Right

Passengers

Books I've Read

"The End of Oz," Danielle Paige

"Yellow Brick War," Danielle Paige

"Prince Lestat and the Realms of Atlantis," Anne Rice

"The Court of Mist and Fury," Sarah Maas

"The Angels' Share," J.R. Ward

Sydney G.

Cooper G.

Elliot G.

Random pet peeves

Head ribbons on babies

Mouth noises

Use of "@" outside of email addresses

Monkey movies

Shaped shrubbery

Dog owners that leave poo

Men who soapbox pro-life

Shingles

Crickets and ants

New York Yankees, Giants

Mosquito bites

"Fifty Shades of Grey"

Put on your quotation devices

"You can never have too many super-duper, super-swell friends."

"Well-behaved women rarely make history."

"As you wish."

"Bird by bird."

"I spin on an axis of my own neuroses."

"When in trouble, when in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout."

"Not the sort of information I retain."

"Keep a watchful eye for ravens."

" ... trying to smell the color 9."

Arbitrary goals and aspirations

Weigh what I've got listed on my driver's license.

Watch the "best" movies and read all the "best" books.

Gain the confidence to wear heels regularly and in everyday life.

Use the statement, made popular by most every movie villain, "You have no idea what I'm capable of."